DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): As a positive step and willingness to maintain cordial relations between security forces and the media in Nagaland, the Assam Rifles has decided to withdraw its notice issued to five Nagaland-based newspapers on October 24, 2015 and also agreed to contribute in strengthening the freedom of the press.
This was resolved in a meeting held between the Assam Rifles and the Editors of Nagaland Page, Eastern Mirror and The Morung Express - T Monalisa Changkija, Witoubou Newmai and Aküm Longchari - in Dimapur on January 14. The meeting was held following a direction by the Press Council of India (PCI) to discuss and resolve issues between the parties concerned. The Government of Nagaland, which is also one of the stakeholders, failed to send a representative to the meeting.
A joint statement from the three Editors and Col. Rajesh Gupta on behalf of the Assam Rifles informed that after engaging in a “free and open” discussion with constructive viewpoints exchanged, they jointly resolved to make efforts to resolve the issues pertaining to the ‘Suo-motu cognizance with regard to Notice to Nagaland media by Assam Rifles.’
In the meeting, keeping in mind the “broader perspectives concerning national interests,” and in order to “preserve the freedom of the press and to uphold democratic principles,” the three Newspapers resolved that they will hold themselves to the “highest standards of journalistic ethics and norms,” and will follow “in spirit the general guidelines of the PCI, as well as Nagaland-specific guidelines for journalists, as and when prescribed by the same.”
The Assam Rifles and the three Editors also decided not to breach the “red lines” as flagged in the meeting to ensure that a “conducive working environment” is retained.
The gathering also registered disappointment at the failure of the Government of Nagaland to depute a representative to attend the meeting as agreed in the PCI meeting on December 11, 2015, thereby “abdicating its responsibility towards upholding the freedom of the press.”
It was further felt that the Government of Nagaland needs to take positive steps to create conducive atmosphere that will facilitate the media in Nagaland to function responsibly as the fourth pillar of democracy without interference or pressure from inimical forces.
Meanwhile, PCI Chairperson, Justice CK Prasad, while expressing concern over the “apathy” of the Nagaland Government over the issue, said that the Council is planning to evolve guidelines for the media and security forces on reporting in conflict situations.
